I'm in school now, so I have to limit my reading. I honestly thought that I wouldn't finish this book before I even read page one only because I was reading it on a rec of someone I follow on Twitter, and I'm so overwhelmed with school that I thought of it wasn't fabulous, I'd forget it altogether.

And, for me, it was fabulous!

I've read dozens... er, wow hundreds of romance books, and I think I have used the Kindle highlight feature twice, and once on this book! This was so unexpected. A historical romance about a doctor and a horticulturist? Dry few balls and even those were attended reluctantly; no dukes, tho there were glimpses of a past Earl character; and no frippery or otherwise fluffiness. And yet, it was fascinating.

They were both so scientifically minded and focused on their work and practical that I thought their slow burn romance that caught them both off guard was delicious!!! I love Beta heroes, and this heroine was badass in a quiet, unassuming way that had me cheering her on. She was nowhere near TSTL, and she had her own strength and boldness that I loved.

"He felt for the first time that evening his mind engaging, knowing he was about to have a really good conversation. Even before she said a word." I felt that captured the thrill of first awareness. It was the same for me as the reader - with that line, I felt the connection to the story and I knew that I was liking where this was going.

Rhys also explained their personalities perfectly in exposing the difference between an extrovert (someone who is invigorated by people around them) and an introvert (someone who is drained by constant company and needs to be alone to recharge). I thought that that connection was important to understanding and loving the quiet solidarity of their friendship and love.

I'm usually all like, "Bring on the sexy times! The sooner and hotter - the better!" And yet, I realize that with really slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance, the kisses and the buildup is more thrilling to me than the love scene. Don't get me wrong, I'd be all BOOO if there was no love scene, but it was a culmination of their love story and it worked for me.

I thought for half a second that this epilogue was gonna go a little something like Devereaux's A Knight In Shining Armor (kinda) with a snapshot of their life until death, so I skimmed over with dread.. I'm only adding this to say a) it didn't, it was sweet and b) wow, A Knight In Shining Armor obviously scarred me for being wary of Epilogues!